The Breaking of Arnor

"After Elendil and Isildur there were eight High Kings of Arnor" (p. 320, The Return of the King). Arnor was the Northern portion of the Dúnedain kingdom while Gondor was the Southern realm during the years of Elendil and Isildur. After Earundur died the Northern kingdom was divided into three territories by his sons: Arthedain (North-West), Rhudaur (North-East), and Cardolan (South).

"In Arthedain the line of Isildur was maintained and endured, but the line soon perished in Cardolan and Rhuduar, There was often strife between the kingdoms, which hastened the waning of the Dúnedain" (p. 320, The Return of the King). Indeed, we are seeing how the Dúnedain became a secret and wandering people. And yet a people still with purpose since the line of Isildur was unbroken. The chief reason for the fighting between the three kingdoms was for the land near Bree and in particular Weathertop. "Both Rhudaur and Cardolan desired to possess Amon Sûl (Weathertop), which stood on the borders of their realms; for the Tower of Amon Sul held the chief Palantir of the North, and the other two were both in the keeping of Arthedain" (p. 320, The Return of the King).

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, circa 861

Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, page 320